New Bates playground takes recess to the next level
The Bates Elementary School front playground (116 Elmwood Rd.) was replaced in the spring of 2025 and officially reopened, new and improved, in late April. The new playground has tons of features that take recess to the next level, including two slides of differing lengths, spinners, rope ladders, and obstacle courses.
The Park and Tree Division manages 18 playgrounds around Wellesley, including 11 at schools. Each playground has a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. The newly renovated Bates playground is intended for kids ages 5-12, although a 16-year-old climbing through the rope ladder probably can’t hurt, right?
Next up for renovations are the Warren Park and Schofield Elementary School playgrounds, both of which will be replaced later this summer.
